Share
Celebrating Father’s Day includes the many names Italian Americans have for them: Dad, Papa, Pops, Uncle, Zio, Grandpa, Nonno, Pop-Pop and nicknames for our brothers and nephews.
Last month, we recognized our publisher Rob Martinelli’s mother, Carol, an Italian immigrant from Calabria. This month, it’s an honor to acknowledge his father, Angelo Martinelli (1927 – 2018), founder of Today Media Inc., the company that owns this very Italian-American newspaper. Born in the Bronx, after serving in the U.S. Army, he settled in Yonkers in 1960. An entrepreneur and generous philanthropist, Angelo was deeply honored to become a Knight of Malta. Beyond business, he was a community man, who never hesitated to serve. With business roots in publishing, Angelo entered the world of politics in the early 1970s and was elected mayor of Yonkers six times. Through his exemplary service he is most remembered for his principled leadership during the city’s desegregation crisis. His courageous stand was featured in the HBO miniseries “Show Me a Hero,” in which he was portrayed by Jim Belushi. Although he may have lost an election for doing what he believed was right, he gained the enduring respect of his community. Even after his time in office, Angelo continued to serve and hold key leadership roles including Chairman of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce, while also serving on the boards of Hudson Valley Bank, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and more. Today, his legacy lives on through his six sons, their wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I’m proud and honored to work for the company built by this extraordinary man. Angelo Martinelli touched countless lives with his boundless enthusiasm, generosity, support, selflessness, and above all, love of life.
Anthony “Tony” Zippi (1928 – 2004) from South Philadelphia, Media, and Wildwood Crest.
I’ve been blessed with a wide array of remarkable men in my life – each one leaving a unique mark on my heart and shaping the person I’ve become. I can still see my Dad in the kitchen on Lake Road in Wildwood Crest on the Bay. He served the best crabs and spaghetti on the island – freshly caught, cleaned, and cooked within hours. Holding a boat captain’s license, he was proud to hold the title of Wildwood Crest Harbor Master for years. My uncle Larry Cappetto, now 94, is the star of the Senior Friendship Center in Venice, Fla. Other uncles, now departed, like my dear Dad, are remembered vividly. My brother “Tony” Zippi and I are just a year and a day apart, and with our brother Stephen, all experienced life in our family’s businesses. In eighth grade, I started working for my Uncle Ray Acciavatti’s construction company. Uncle Al Alberts, well known for over 30 years as the host of “Al Alberts Showcase” on WPVI Channel 6 in Philadelphia, an ABC affiliate, was “Uncle” to many performers – but to me, he was also my mentor. Working alongside him at the TV studio and the many road shows in Wildwood, HersheyPark, and the legendary Palumbo’s, was a true education. My uncle Tony Palidora had a gift for making us laugh. He played Santa Claus for years on his brother-in-law’s, Al Alberts, TV show and never broke character, not even off camera! Uncle Vince DiGiulio took loving care of the Acciavatti family house on Wisteria Road in Wildwood Crest, the very home my grandfather Guido Acciavatti built – a cornerstone of our family history. And then there was Uncle Tom, always with a guitar in hand, and Uncle John Acciavatti – what can I say? A veteran, a presence, a legend in his own way. These men, in a young girl’s life, fathers, brothers, uncles – wove a rich tapestry of love, humor, work, and tradition. I carry their stories, and I’m proud to pass them on.
As a nation, we proudly honor President George Washington as the Father of Our Country. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formalized Christopher Columbus Day as a federal holiday. Celebrated on the second Monday in October, the day commemorates Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. While the holiday has faced growing scrutiny in recent years, it still holds deep meaning for Italian Americans across the country. For many, it remains a day of pride – a celebration of their contributions, culture, and identity in the American story. President Donald Trump recently reaffirmed his support for maintaining Columbus Day as a federal holiday, reinforcing its cultural significance. As October approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you can celebrate your Italian heritage. Whether it’s through community events, family gatherings, or simply preparing a treasured family recipe, there are countless ways to honor your roots.
In that spirit, I’m excited to announce the premiere of a new feature in this edition: Fathers in the Kitchen. This special section is a celebration of passing down tradition – and what better way than through food? In our first story, read how young dad Jamie DiFebo is sharing his culture and culinary heritage with his daughter Liliana, one dish at a time.
And if you’re visiting the Jersey Shore this summer, keep an eye on the sky! Cape May Aerial will be proudly flying the Italian American Herald banner from Cape May to Atlantic City. When you see it, snap a photo and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or X – we’d love to feature your pictures and celebrate our community together.
Premier Digital Partners
